• What got you started in the esthetics business?
Ok, don’t judge but…it wasn’t “love for skin” that’s for sure. I know…shocking! But I do love helping people feel better about themselves. I had been a massage therapist for a very long time and it was taking a toll on my body. I saw the opportunity in esthetics and the ability to serve others. Once I started helping others, it was then that I fell in love.
• How did you grow your client base?
Thinking outside the box. I grew a base of 300 clients in under a year by offering free brow waxes and converting them to paying clients. I would approach strangers with this offering. Some would reject me, while others took me up on my offer. It was definitely a numbers game but I remained positive.
• What was your favorite thing about working with clients?
The relationships for sure! Clients become like extended family members, no doubt. I am still friends with many of my clients today even though I am no longer in the treatment room.
• Was it difficult to transition out of being a service provider to being a consultant?
Not at all. You would think it might be. The truth is, my clients are estheticians now, and how I communicate and build trust is still the same. I care about each and every one of my esthetician clients just as I did with my skin clients. If anything, I know and understand what they are feeling before they do.
• How did you decide to begin coaching other estheticians and spa owners?
Funny thing is, many industry colleagues encouraged me to create business and marketing material for estheticians. I started building content and my first product: The Esthetician Business Essentials Course” was born. It was an esthetician business in a box. I kept creating learning programs and blogging, and then many estheticians and spa owners reached out to me for one on one coaching.
• Is coaching more rewarding than being in the treatment room? How does it feel to help other estheticians, versus helping clients?
Coaching estheticians is more rewarding on some levels because I have a deeper understanding. Because of the 30 years of experience, I can connect with them no matter what the circumstance, challenge, or problem – because I’ve been there. I’ve lived it. I’ve cried. I’ve laughed. I’ve rejoiced. I’ve learned. I’ve celebrated. Each scenario I face with an owner, I can relate to. Because of that, it is more rewarding.
• What has been your greatest success as a mentor?
The wins! That’s the easy answer, but it’s not entirely accurate. I do celebrate when my clients have a winning year. When they are more profitable than the previous year. That always feels good. I may have inspired them – but they did it. What I consider the greatest success is when a person has a deeper understanding of who they are because of our work together.
• What is one piece of advice you have to someone struggling with their skin care business?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many times we are too proud to ask for help when we need it most, but it is the very thing we need to do. You can’t build your business alone. I couldn’t when I was a spa owner with employees, especially since I was still in the treatment room.
• How do you keep the good ideas coming? What is your secret to staying productive and creative?
I am such a believer in spending time in solitude. This is where creativity flows. I come up with my best ideas during that quiet time. We live in such an age of distraction. There is so much noise. Everyone wants a chunk of our time. I believe in scheduling time on our calendar for quiet time.
• Do you think all estheticians are capable of becoming world-class service providers?
I believe all estheticians are capable – yes. But will all estheticians become world-class service providers? No. It’s not a judgment. Living a world-class life is a choice. We all have choices. I wrote a blog article on how to become an Elite Esthetician. This is a good place to start! I listed 50 things that a person can begin doing right now to create positive change.
• What are your current business goals?
My latest project is the Beauty Business Summit happening in Hawaii this October. I have gathered top industry leaders to share their knowledge for two days on the beautiful island of Oahu. 100 percent of the proceeds will be gifted to a beauty school. This is my way of giving back to our industry while staying true to my own business goals.
